Easy ways to upstyle your kitchen

Shabby Chic Kitchen Photo by Teri Lyn Fisher

Author: Jessica Viscarde

The kitchen is no longer just for cooking – today, it also functions as a place to entertain, somewhere to have a cuppa, read the newspaper, and space for the kids to do their homework. It is, essentially, the heart of many homes. So when you’re thinking of decorating and styling your house, don’t neglect the kitchen, as there are so many opportunities to inject your personal style into it.

Do remember function here; think about the main things you do in your kitchen and what you use your kitchen for –with cooking being an obvious one – as these will help guide you in your styling direction. Another tip to start with is to keep it simple in the kitchen, simplify the styling and try not to add too much. Since we still need the bench space to prepare and cook meals, less is definitely more. Here are some ideas.

Style those open shelves
If you have open shelves in your kitchen, treat these like any other shelf in your home and accessorise. Remember to keep your shelves organised and clutter free and only decorate with items you actually need or use in the kitchen. For example, opt for eye-catching containers and jars filled with interesting ingredients, or colourful cookbooks that are within easy reach.

Keep it simple
If you’ve fallen out of love with your kitchen, perhaps it has too much stuff in it! Start by downsizing and removing the clutter. Put all the things on display in your cupboards and start with a clean slate. Give it a good scrub and clean, then take out a few key pieces and show these off – perhaps it’s your favourite bowl filled with some fresh lemons or a vase of flowers on the kitchen bench.

Simple is best in the kitchen as you want to concentrate on the cooking and entertaining, not having to dust, clean and rearrange.

Roll out a rug
Something soft or textual underfoot can be a nice little touch and can instantly add colour to your kitchen area. To make sure the rug does not create a tripping hazard, place a slip-resistant material under the mat to help hold it in place. As the kitchen can be prone to drips and spills, opt for a material that is water resistant or easily cleaned.

Style with key benchtop appliances
Less is certainly more when it comes to your kitchen, so style with a few key pieces that will steal the show – these can even be in the form of appliances. A benchtop mixer can add a sense of luxury and pop of colour, if you need it, for next to no effort (albeit a bit of cash) and has the added bonus of being incredibly useful in the kitchen.

Store away any small appliances that create clutter on your benchtops and choose just a few of your key pieces.

Update your pendant lampshades
A quick way to refresh your kitchen and its overall look is to update your pendant light shades. Choose new shades in a style that reflects your interior, but keep in mind the size and proportions of the room.

Paint a chalkboard wall
If you have a spare little patch of wall or an otherwise boring space, why not paint it with some chalkboard paint? Grab a paint brush and chalkboard paint from your local hardware store and get the family to help create a noticeboard for easily jotting down notes, messages, shopping lists or doodles.

More ways to use chalkboard paint around the home

Add a colourful pot
Change up your pots on the stove and show off your favourite cooking prop. I love the idea of placing something on your stovetop, because it doesn’t take up any room on your bench. Interchange your items depending upon what colour or texture you are after and put everything else away in the cupboard. Again, less is certainly more in this case, so choose one piece for your stove and let it take centre stage.

Update your bar stools
A cost-effective way to instantly change the look of your kitchen is to update your stools – and the beauty is that anyone can do it. If you have a kitchen island or bench space with room for your needs, select a few bar stools to create a place to sit and enjoy your breakfast, for instance.

Opt for a style that suits your kitchen decor. If your kitchen is more classic and traditional, a bentwood or cross-back style stool is preferred. For ultra-modern and sleek style kitchens, choose minimalist designs without backs in complementary timbers, leathers or chrome.

Add some greenery
Greenery adds a fresh mood in the kitchen, so try a small plant on the corner of an island bench. Keep the plants away from the food preparation area and ensure they get some natural light.

Find out how house plants can improve your health

Hang artwork
Don’t neglect your walls in the kitchen – add artwork to inject some colour or incorporate your existing colour scheme. Just beware of splash zones near the sink, or hot areas near the cooking zone.